The Art-Deco movement began in 1920 and took the designing world by storm. It consists of an eclectic artistic design that started in Paris and was first seen in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, where Louis Cartier played an important role.

Art Deco is an ornamental style, and its lavishness is said to be a response reaction to the forced austerity imposed by World War I.  The style lost its momentum during the late 1930s and the early 1940s, but strongly resurged during the 1960s.  The name “art deco” emerged in 1966, after an exhibition in Paris of the ‘Les Années 25’ that was sub-titled Art Deco.

Watches and jewelry were also very influenced by this innovative trend.  Watchmakers and jewelers felt its impact and manufactured luxury watches with Art Deco details that were very popular.  The style features geometric shapes, straight and curved lines, eye catching colors and the use of symmetry, making it perfect for watches.

Louis Cartier was an innovative and creative watchmaker that was very influenced by the Art Deco style, seeing it as an opportunity to create something different.  For example, the Santos de Cartier watch, dubbed as an exploration of form and function, precision and aesthetics, marks the convergence of early Art Deco style, industrial design and metal architecture.

Cartier’s Art Deco designs had a big influence on the watch and jewelry industries, which copied many of the classic Art Deco motifs and styles.  The brand has always been at the forefront of the design trends of the 20th century, including the geometry and exoticism of the “Art Deco” movement. Cartier has exerted an enduring influence on design and craftsmanship, being widely recognized as a symbols of luxury and elegance.

Currently Cartier has imposed its style in fashion with their platinum watches, and also adding gemstones and diamonds for the creation of high quality luxury watches.